Timbers Community Update: Giving funds to groups in need while mentoring youth clubs

Portland TimbersWhile the Timbers await their next fixture on July 2, the players and organization are making news with their continued efforts to help those in need within the community.

The sports page can be a slightly depressing place for enlightening news at times. As sports fans read about and debate the various legal, ethical and financial topics that have become ingrained with professional sports, it’s difficult to find uplifting or positive news at times. The common perception of most professional athletes could range from a complete egomaniac to aloof to self absorbed, so it’s nice to bear witness to a group of men that embody the positive qualities that everyone can appreciate.

The Portland Timbers are an organization that gets what it means to give back to the community they live in, and their players embrace that message whole heartedly. I’ve seen the Timbers support some great causes over the years, but they continue to impress me with the depth, diversity, and reach of their most recent endeavors. From giving to a local college desperate for their own athletic facility to mentoring soccer clubs to supporting charitable groups that promote fitness and health, the Timbers mean what they say with the message “Stand Together”.

View full sizePortland TimbersTimbers owner Merritt Paulson, Timbers COO Mike Golub and Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish celebrate the Timbers donation of $20,000 to Concordia University for their athletic complex with Concordia University athletes, staff, and members of the Northeast United/Alameda soccer club.

The Timbers continued their positive work in the local area by announcing a unique partnership with other area soccer clubs. Under their “Adopt A Club” program, the Timbers review applications from prospective teams looking for assistance and guidance from an MLS player. Once the winners were selected, the team will assign a player as a mentor and part time coach for the team. There would also be additional areas of support, such as training sessions with Timbers alumni and the Timbers’ strength and conditioning coach. I can imagine being a kid playing soccer who now gets the chance to learn from and interact with professional players regularly, and it’s an incredible opportunity. The lucky clubs for 2011 include Hillsboro Futsal, Eastside United FC, Milltown United Soccer Club, Prairie Soccer Club, Hillside Soccer Club, and Mount Tabor Soccer Club. Together, the six participating teams serve over 5,000 youth in the Portland metropolitan area.

View full sizePortland TimbersPortland Timbers players met representatives of the six soccer clubs that the club will be adopting for the 2011 season as part of the team's "Adopt A Club" program.

It’s something to provide lip service to giving back, but the Timbers go steps beyond to do more than go through the motions. As I observed after the team’s Bowl For A Goal benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters earlier in June, the players got as much out of interacting with fans as they did. I applaud the entire Timbers organization for their continued contributions within the community, and look forward to witnessing their plans in the future.